93 forged internals?

[Chris_Murder]

I remember reading something about few early 93 mark viii engines getting some forged internals. I could be mistaken though as i have had a bit to drink this evening. Pardon my ignorance but how would you identify whether or not it did or did not have anything forged in the bottom end? It did have the desirable EEC in it which I sold off long ago as it didn't do me any good with my swap, it also had the 1 piece driveshaft which I've been using in my thunderbird for almost a year now with a fresh balance and new u-joints. However the previous owner also mentioned that the owner before him had rebuild the entire engine which seems accurate judging by the complete lack of factory seals and the surprisingly clean internals but I digress. How would I determine whether or not anything inside is forged. I'll be removing the pan soon to change the oil pan gasket anyway what should I be looking for? What would the crank counter wieghts or rod widths mic at if they were stock? What would they mic at forged aftermarket? What would they mic at forged stock? I have access to several micrometers in my tool collection I'm just curious. Sorry about the long post. Oh P.S. I learned that I have beehive springs on my 93 heads. I thought marks didn't get those until later years? What would indicate that they are aftermarket? What would indicate that they are later ford units? Thanks I'm just at a loss of what the long lost first owner did to this thing 20k ago.

 

[MediumD]

I've never seen or heard anything about any forged internals in any Mark VIII, period.

Anyway, the only info I have off the top of my head is if the crank is Ford forged it should have a wide parting line (seen on the counterweights) and resonate for like 10 seconds when you whack it with another piece of metal (longer and bit different tone than a cast piece.) Easier when you have a known one to compare it to... And as for the rods, if they don't have any aftermarket company name on them, they probably aren't forged. Manley made the 03-04 Cobra forged rods, and they bear the name. The 03-04 Cobra pistons don't have any special markings IIRC, but they're not exactly great anyway. (Edit: Actually, they MIGHT have the Manley name on them as well, up under the skirt. Dunno.)

 

[Rich88LSC]

I've never seen or heard anything about any forged internals in any Mark VIII, period.

Anyway, the only info I have off the top of my head is if the crank is Ford forged it should have a wide parting line (seen on the counterweights) and resonate for like 10 seconds when you whack it with another piece of metal (longer and bit different tone than a cast piece.) Easier when you have a known one to compare it to... And as for the rods, if they don't have any aftermarket company name on them, they probably aren't forged. Manley made the 03-04 Cobra forged rods, and they bear the name. The 03-04 Cobra pistons don't have any special markings IIRC, but they're not exactly great anyway. (Edit: Actually, they MIGHT have the Manley name on them as well, up under the skirt. Dunno.)

+1 No Marks came with forged internals. Cobras got just a forged crank until 03 when rods and pistons were made by Manley

 

[marked8]

I think he is thinking about early 93 5.0 Fox engines having forged pistons as some did get them and had a different color shade oil pan than the ones with the cast junk. As far as beehives, I think you answered your own question as the engine has been rebuilt and would have probably gotten later model beehives at that time.